Mumbai Indians pacer Pat Cummins ruled out of IPL 2018 with back injury

10 Apr 2018

The 24-year-old has ‘bone oedema in his vertebrae’ – swelling in the joint, a stress fracture due to excess load, but not a serious one.

CA’s Team Physiotherapist, David Beakley said: “Pat experienced some back soreness during the fourth Test in South Africa. Follow-up scans have confirmed that he has bone oedema in his vertebrae.

“It is important that Pat has time off bowling, to prevent the injury becoming more serious and consequently we have made the decision to rule Pat out of the IPL. Pat will now undergo a period of recovery and rehabilitation and we will look to re-scan him in a few weeks to assess the healing.

“Following this we will be in a better position to decide on Pat’s return to play timeline including participation in the limited overs tour of the UK.”

Cummins had a long history of back issues following his debut as an 18-year-old. Since his return, he had become Australia’s most consistent bowler post a six-year absence. He featured in 13 consecutive Tests – four against India and South Africa and the Ashes, picking up a total of 59 wickets.

The hard-fought series between Australia and South Africa has forced three seamers to pull out of the tournament – Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Daredevils) and Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) being the other two.